Maturing

Eph. 4:6- For because of Him (Jesus), the whole body (the church in all its various parts), closely joined and firmly knit together by the joints and ligaments, with which it is supplied, when each part [with power adapted to its need] is working properly [in all its functions] grows to maturity, building itself up in love.

I heard a wonderful illustration this week. A fellow was speaking of the difference between just gathering together and being joined together in a functioning manner. He said how he went to Walmart to buy a bike for his daughter for Christmas. He saw one that fit her description and told the assistant that was the bike that he wanted to purchase. He was told to go to the register and the bike would be waiting there for him. When he got there he did not see the bike and inquired of the cashier concerning its whereabouts. The cashier pointed to a large box which contained all the bike's parts. He remarked how all the pieces were gathered together in the box, but they certainly weren't a functional bike. The Lord spoke to his heart and said that He feels the same way at times about the body of Christ. They gather together in the same place, but at times they aren't properly joined together so that He can use them to fulfill a purpose. Although we have to be disciplined in assembling together with other believers, we also need to allow ourselves to be joined together with other believers and become a part of fulfilling the vision that has been given by God. We all have a part to play in the successful functioning of the church. We need to seek the Lord concerning our part and then begin to allow the Holy Spirit to move us into our place so that His power can flow through us. Consider how well that bicycle would work if the screw that attaches the handle bars to the bike was missing or any other of the parts were missing. Each part has a purpose and is important. God is looking for obedient yielding vessels. He is able to mold us and equip us for the work that he had called us to do. Love for God and others will move us to answer His call on our lives. We can not mature spiritually until we become committed and involved in the work of the ministry. We are not saved "by good works", but we are saved "unto good works". Some day we will all stand before the Lord to give account for what we did with the talents and gifts that He placed within us. How wonderful it will be to hear Him say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."